When in doubt, we turn to things we know and are comforting. Love, mom's hug. An old friend appeared from nowhere (17 years later!) and became a new friend. It's comforting to know that can happen. And it's comforting to know the farmers are farming...
The rains have been constant and we're grouchy so I'm turning to something comforting - beets...
P.S. It's also comforting to read that NATO has started Buy Local Build Afghanistan in order to build stability. Indeed! (buy fresh buy local !)
Ruben's favorite line this week: Grouchy Smurf: "I HATE hug-a-smurf Day!"
Raw beet salad
Peel and grate beets
Marinate them in a balsamic vinegar dressing for at least 2 hours, over night is better. (Amy, unfortunately I really can't remember what I did for this last year) - a bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maybe some orange juice, maybe some dijon mustard. Some grated ginger and/or some maple syrup as well, but not necessary.
Arugula, tossed with similar dressing.
Goat cheese.
While we're on the topic of beets....Here's a more wintery recipe in that it is SO comforting and satisfying. this one's for you John!
Better than Boubi's Borsht
1 big white onion, chopped
1-1.5 lbs cubed beef tips (prime rib ends are recommended)
3 T chopped garlic
1/2 chopped cabbage (i use purple, deepens the color, cut in long thin slivers)
1 t pepper
1 t salt
1 gallon beef stock
1/3 c vinegar (again, balsamic, deepens color and flavor)
1 c tomato paste
1/3 c sugar
2 lbs beets, chop into small cubes
caramalize onion, add beef and garlic
add everything except beets and boil for two hours
add beets (and chopped carrots if you like) for another hour (you may need to add more water/stock)
don't forget to add a dollop of sour cream to the soup bowls.
The rains have been constant and we're grouchy so I'm turning to something comforting - beets...
P.S. It's also comforting to read that NATO has started Buy Local Build Afghanistan in order to build stability. Indeed! (buy fresh buy local !)
Ruben's favorite line this week: Grouchy Smurf: "I HATE hug-a-smurf Day!"
Raw beet salad
Peel and grate beets
 |
| these were orange yellow-orange beets, Bowl by Willi Singleton |
Arugula, tossed with similar dressing.
Goat cheese.
While we're on the topic of beets....Here's a more wintery recipe in that it is SO comforting and satisfying. this one's for you John!
 |
| big bowls for borsht |
1 big white onion, chopped
1-1.5 lbs cubed beef tips (prime rib ends are recommended)
3 T chopped garlic
1/2 chopped cabbage (i use purple, deepens the color, cut in long thin slivers)
1 t pepper
1 t salt
1 gallon beef stock
1/3 c vinegar (again, balsamic, deepens color and flavor)
1 c tomato paste
1/3 c sugar
2 lbs beets, chop into small cubes
 |
| also comforting - throwing like butta! |
caramalize onion, add beef and garlic
add everything except beets and boil for two hours
add beets (and chopped carrots if you like) for another hour (you may need to add more water/stock)
don't forget to add a dollop of sour cream to the soup bowls.
 |
| My mom and Ruben's first book |
